Stress Awareness Month is a national effort to inform people about the dangers of stress and to teach them effective coping strategies. Take time to unwind. It's healthy to relax, renew, and rejuvenate. From work demands to financial pressures to family problems, there are many aspects of life that can cause stress. Unfortunately, because we know that stress is a universal experience endured by all, we often downplay the impact that it has on our lives. Luckily, there is remedy for stress that is low cost, fast acting, and highly effective. This remedy is relaxation, for which there is one rule: for maximum effectiveness, use as often as possible. So whether you rejuvenate through reading, jogging, playing with a pet, or laughing with a friend, for your health's sake, make sure every day to tackle your stress head-on and take time to unwind. Sometimes stress can be beneficial, such as when a tight deadline at work require us to stay focused and finish our tasks. Chronic stress, however, can lead to many health problems, ranging from headaches and stomach disorders to heart disease and stroke. The first step to effectively manage stress is to recognize its early warning signs.Possible Signs and Symptoms of Stress:

Four times a week, women who need support can chat with Bonnie Kaye and her support group members.

The United States / Canada chats take place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings at 9:05 p.m. EST, 8:05 p.m. CT, 7:05 p.m. MT, and 6:05 p.m. PT.

The International United Kingdom / European chat takes place on Mondays at 9 p.m. UK time which is 4 p.m. EST for US/Canada women who would like to chat in the afternoon.

Women from everywhere are welcome. Check your time clock so you'll know what time you can join us. The chats are anonymous, and no one will know who you are unless you decide to disclose the information to the group.

The chats are designed to give women support while they are looking to leave their marriages to gay men or those who have left their gay husbands already.

They are not for women who want to stay in their marriages with gay husbands.

If you are interested in joining the chat, you must first write to Bonnie Kaye and get approved. Bonnie will make sure that the chats are your best source of support or she will refer you to an appropriate source of support.

Support chat for Adult Children of Gay Fathers is now available once a week on Wednesday evenings at 9:00 p.m. E.S.T.

Young adults and adults 18 and over who were raised in a home with a gay father and straight mother now have a forum where they can speak confidentially to others who understand the many issues that come about from these marriages.

Stroke is a debilitating medical illness that is affecting more and more straight spouses. This video below is not about straight spouses but will give you a good education about strokes and how it affects everyone.

I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt,the greater his or her need to cast blame on others.I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me,I must live so that no one will believe it.

I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little note.

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that hotel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handlesthese three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents,you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on bothhands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if youfocus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doingthe very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart,I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendlypat on the back.